'Wardrobes and Rings' offers a journey through Lent in the company of the Inklings and their writings. The notes in this blog are a springboard to group discussion. Feel free to use or adapt as you feel helpful. 

There are two parts to the notes:

Part 1: offers a framework for each of the sessions, no matter which sections of the book you are focusing on. 

Part 2: offers ideas to help discussion for each week of readings. You can choose the two weeks that fit with the timing of your group. 

And remember - these are springboards and suggestions - you know your group, you're in the room with them, so you can work out how best to shape the discussion.

Section 1: A Framework for A Session

Part 1: Settling In:

Everyone's Voice Matters: It's great if everyone can say something at the start, so that they have found their voice in the group. And it needs to be short and none threatening. You could choose one of the following questions:

• What are you thankful for at the moment?
• Would rather...meet a dragon or lion? A talk to a fawn (Mr Tumnus) or a hobbit? Sail across an ocean or go on a land adventure? (or other Inkling or theme-related 'would you rather' questions)
• Give one word or phrase that describes how your day has been?

Turning to God: A prayer around the themes of  'thanks', welcome' and 'help' can acknowledge that God is actively part of our days & our discussion 

Part 2: Discussion Time:

If there are lots of people in the group, consider splitting up into smaller groups of 4 or 5 for the initial discussion and then coming back together.

Be aware of the direction the conversations are taking. Some might be more focused on the stories and books, and others on the spiritual lessons. Be sensitive to your group and discern what is helpful for all. 

To help the discussion section of the session, there are notes in Part 2 for each week for you to choose from to use. These might include:

• Key images
• Key themes & ideas
• Quote to discuss
• If you focus on just one reading (you could read it aloud):
• Quote to discuss
• Reflection Question from the readings:

Note that, because some of the groups meet on Thursdays, the notes will focus on the readings for the first half of the week.

Part 3: Heading Out:

Give people a chance to reflect and gather their thoughts. You could invite everyone to give a brief response to one of the following questions:

• What one thing do you take with you from this evening into your days ahead?
• What do you want to say to God now, having had this discussion?
• What one word or phrases will stick with you from the session?

Gather the discussion and days ahead together in prayer. You could say a simple prayer, shaped by people's reflections, or the prayer below.

When you no longer know how to be, may the Father take you on your deeper journey. 
When you no longer know what to do, may the Spirit reveal to you your fitting task. 
When all feels lost or foreign, may you know your home in Christ.
On the path that is before you, may you have companions for the journey,
may you find Christ in the stranger, and may you know the love and blessing of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

By the Northumbria Community From: Celtic Daily Prayer Book 2: Farther Up and Farther In ISBN 978-0-00-810019-3

Section 2: Session Ideas for Each Week

Lent Begins (Pages 5 to 16)

• Key images: Rings, dragons, turkish delight - did any of these images capture your imagination?
• Key themes & ideas: God's will & our will; treasures & greed - how do these themes connect with your day to  day life?
• If you focus on just one reading: Saturday - Eustace and the Undragoning (read it aloud if you want)
  
• Quote to discuss: 'If Lent is a time for setting things aside, seeing more clearly, discerning, event as you resist some desires, what is it that you truly desire
• Reflection Question from the readings: What are the treasures (mathoms) in our lives which we no longer have use for, or which are no longer helpful for us? (Saturday)

Week 1: Nature 

• Key images: Space & the heavens, stars, silent walking - did any of these capture your imagination?
• Key themes & ideas: medieval and modern views of nature; truth and meaning; imagination and reason - how do these connect with your everyday life
• If you focus on just one reading (you could read it aloud): The Heavens Declare (Thursday)
• Quotes to discuss: 'Science itself, of course, is properly speaking only competent to tell us what things are, and where they are; it does not even address the question of what they mean. (Monday) and 'Reason is the natural organ of truth, But Imagination is the organ of meaning.' (Monday)
• Reflection Question from the readings: 'What are the visions and signs of joy that help you not to lose heart in the present struggles?' (Wednesday)

Week 2 (coming soon)

• Key images
• Key themes & ideas
• Quote to discuss
• If you focus on just one reading (you could read it aloud):
• Quote to discuss
• Reflection Question from the readings:

Week 3 (coming soon)

• Key images
  
• Key themes & ideas
• Quote to discuss
• If you focus on just one reading (you could read it aloud):
• Quote to discuss
• Reflection Question from the readings:

Week 4 (coming soon)

• Key images
• Key themes & ideas
• Quote to discuss
• If you focus on just one reading (you could read it aloud):
• Quote to discuss
• Reflection Question from the readings:

Week 5 (coming soon)

• Key images
  
• Key themes & ideas
• Quote to discuss
• If you focus on just one reading (you could read it aloud):
• Quote to discuss
• Reflection Question from the readings:

Week 6 

• Coming Soon